FEMA worker from N.H. dies on route to Katrina rescue -

[Bluerthanblue]

so sad - This fella was one of the 'quiet heros'-

"MANCHESTER, N.H. -- An emergency worker on his way to help restore powers to areas struck by Hurricane Katrina was killed in a highway accident on Sunday.

Family members said that William McLaughlin, 51, of Manchester, loved to help others out by responding to disasters.

"He'd stand by the phone waiting for the phone to ring just to go because he knew he'd be helping somebody," said his brother, Rich McLaughlin.

McLaughlin, an experienced electrician, joined the Federal Emergency Management Agency MERS team as a power controller. MERS provides mobile telecommunications and power-generated emergency support during disasters.

McLaughlin and several other FEMA workers were heading south Sunday in an 11-vehicle convoy. They were on Interstate 81 in Virginia when the left front tire of McLaughlin's tanker blew out.

Witnesses said that he tried to control his truck, but the tanker ran off the road and overturned. McLaughlin was trapped inside. No one else was injured in the accident.

McLaughlin had just returned from a three-week job in the Pensacola area where he was helping those still recovering from Hurricane Dennis.".....



http://www.thewmurchannel.com/news/4911537/detail.html

[Old and In the Way]

1. A real American hero....

very sad.

[roguevalley]

2. He's in heaven right now, helping people who are coming. I believe

he is there. I can't stand it otherwise. Bless his family and the people suffering tonight, God. Please.

[NJCher]

3. I'll think of it that way

Thanks.




Cher

[steve2470]

4. So terrible. I feel for his family. I hope he's "happy" wherever he is nt